New bus network starts amid falling passenger numbers

THE Queensland Government will be hoping to arrest alarming slumps in public transport numbers in Toowoomba when it reveals details about the new TransLink bus service today.

Assistant Transport Minister Glenn Butcher will announce further details about the expanded and upgraded service in the Garden City at a press conference this morning at the University of Southern Queensland, which will feature 1100 weekly routes and Sunday options.

The news comes as Toowoomba residents continue to shun public transport with the bus network experiencing nearly 200,000 fewer passengers annually between 2008 and 2015.

Passenger numbers have dropped nearly every year since amalgamation, while the 2015-16 statistics are not yet available.

Mr Butcher last week said the upgrade for Toowoomba was the introduction of Sunday services, which weren't available under previous provider Bus Queensland.

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"A new, improved urban bus network for Toowoomba will help meet the needs of a growing community," he said.

"The new bus network features eight routes with more than 1150 services per week and the introduction of Sunday services on popular routes.

"There will also be longer operating hours to provide more travel options to and from the CBD and expanded coverage to service new and growing residential areas.

"I'm also delighted that locals will be able to enjoy more frequent trips to key destinations."